Hi Susan,Be sure to let us know the results of the biopsy.I was in the hosptial when they finally diagnosed me with AIH. Was ready to be tranported for a liver transplant when I did the big turn around on Prednisone and Imuran. Now I am totally in remission Susan. I don't take any drugs for the AIH.Being so tired that all you want to do is put your head back on the pillow and sleep for the rest of your life is normal. That really was my only symptom I could give my doctor. When I finally turned yellow a couple of weeks later, she knew something was haywire with my liver. When I had it 8 years ago, it wasn't easy to figure out. My GI talked with experts in 3 other states before he could narrow it down to AIH. Your RA doc jumped on this right away.Are you still taking the prednisone for imflamation for the RA and AIH?Being tired all the time could be the RA too. My daughter is exhausted 24 hours a day. I think our bodies know when we need to get extra rest so we can heal. Try to sleep when you can Susan.Saying prayers for you in Michigan.CindyView Thread

Susan,Did your doctor explain that RA and Autoimmune Hepatitis are both autoimmune diseases?

I've had a liver biopsy without any problems. I was doped up enough to hear the doctor, but felt no pain. The only thing I said after he got the sample was "It felt like you sucker punched me". I really think it was no big deal. Yes you are scared because you have never had one before. It's the same with any test or proceedure that is new.

Did your GI put you on steroids for the RA or AIH ?What kind of questions do you have Susan? How bad is the RA? Who is treating you for the RA...your MD or a Rheumatolagist?

My husband and daughter both have RA. They have blood work done every 4 months to keep an eye on their liver.

You need to start a journal Susan. Take it to all doctor appointments. Write down all tests and the results. You can add questions as you think of them and will have the journal with you at all your appointments. If anything is too upsetting for you to handle the nurse can fill in the information, or you can bring a friend along to take notes for you. This journal will help you to remember what tests have been done, and when. It will also help you keep track of the medications that are tried, any side effects, and also improvements over the coming years.I am here for you. CindyView Thread

The weight gain sucks, but just keep telling yourself that it's only temporary.I remember reading things in my records that pissed me off. And it wasn't my doctors that said it, it was some doctor on call for the weekend at the hospital.I'm glad you are sleeping better and also that the prednisone is bringing down your ALT and AST levels. Keep me posted. And keep improving!CindyView Thread

Hi,I remember gaining weight, the buffalo hump on my back, the hairy face and the moon face when I was on prednisone. Not something that anyone looks forward to. I also lost my sense of smell and taste and that only made me eat more. BUT it did take away the inflamation.I hope the Entocort works for you.CindyView Thread

Hello Manish,I hope the Entocort works for you. If it doesn't, the prednisone is a common used steroid for many kinds of inflamation. My husband, daughter, myself and my granddaughter have all been on prednisone at different times. It works fast and none of us have had any major problems [so far>.

If you don't fit in with the catagories of the other hepatitis's, then you probably do have AIH. The biopsy will confirm it is hepatitis.

I wish I could have answered your other questions, but maybe someone else can.

Don't give up, you are not alone. Ask questions all the time when you see your doctor. If you read anything or learn anything from us...tell your doctor. You have a support system here that will help you get through these days of uncertainty.

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